During this offseason, four teams have hired new managers with no MLB managing experience. The Cubs just hired Rick Renteria, the Tigers hired Brad Ausmus, the Nationals Matt WIlliams and the Reds Bryan Price. Of course, the Phillies hired former Cubs star and Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg as manager during the 2013 season. Sandberg joined Walt Weiss (Colorado), Mike Redmond (Miami) and Bo Porter (Houston) as first time managers in 2013. Prior to the 2012 season, the Cubs hired Dale Sveum to be their new manager. The Chicago White Sox shocked when they hired Robin Ventura to be their manager as Ventura had never managed or coached on any professional level. Of course, the Cardinals would go the same root with Mike Matheny, but the performance of the Cardinals over the past two seasons make him look like he had tons of experience.
Of course, one thing every MLB manager has in common is the fact that they too were a first time manager at one point. Most of the veteran managers have retired, with few proven candidates seeking a new job. The ones that are are, in some cases, in their 60s (Larry Bowa, Charlie Manuel) and in others, have not had a track record of success (Eric Wedge, Manny Acta). The "new blood" in regards to MLB managers is something that has to happen every 15-20 years. If it happens gradually, it is not as noticeable. It obviously has not been gradual as we have seen 11 first time managers over the past three seasons. Some will have to prove their ability to develop young players and do more with less. Some will have the pressure to win right away. A successful manager is measured by one thing... winning.
The Cubs have hired their second first time manager in three seasons. Renteria is a good baseball man who has had the opportunity to coach for a couple different organizations. The key with the Cubs is how their three young potential star prospects, who have not played a game in the major leagues, impact the team. In my opinion, Renteria stays in Chicago for a while.
The Reds did not take much time hiring their pitching coach, Price, as manager. Price has a great track record as a MLB pitching coach in Seattle, Arizona and Cincinnati. A former minor league pitcher, he continues to trend of pitchers getting an opportunity to manage in the big leagues. He inherits a team that has the ability to win the whole thing. With that, comes the responsibility to maintain it. In my opinion, the Reds success of the first two seasons will determine whether Price is long for the job. However, if things do not completely implode, I think he can get another chance even if the Reds digress during his run as manager.
Brad Ausmus has been a top managerial candidate over the past couple seasons. He has probably the biggest responsibility, as he takes over the Detroit Tigers, a team who is a perennial playoff team that lost in the ALCS last season following a World Series appearance in 2012. He inherits a team that is most ready to win now. The only major moves that will be made will probably be within the bullpen. Many have said Ausmus will be a successful MLB manager. Odds are he will be based on the team that he is now in charge in. However, if the Tigers fade over the next couple seasons, the first finger pointed will be at Ausmus.
The Nationals are a very good team that won 98 games in 2012. They won just 86 last season, but had to deal with some injuries and an overall sophomore slump. Williams may have the biggest challenge as he is to right a ship that started sinking last year. The Nationals did finish strong, but had struggled so mightily in the first half of the season, they could never get back in the race. The fact is, the Nationals have one of the more talented rosters in all of MLB. They are going to be picked by many to win the NL East division this season. If Williams leads them back to prominence, he looks like a good hire. In addition, he probably will be there long term. In things do not go to well, GM Mike Rizzo will blame him and odds are, he will not be around that long.
The bottom line is that is managers in MLB win, they look great. When teams lose, it is always the managers fault. Renteria in Chicago probably gets the longest opportunity as the Cubs are the farthest away from contention. The onice will be on the other three to set a winning pace early. My prediction: one of these three; Ausmus, Price, Williams will be a victim of circumstance and will not last long in their post. We will see how it turns out.
Of course, one thing every MLB manager has in common is the fact that they too were a first time manager at one point. Most of the veteran managers have retired, with few proven candidates seeking a new job. The ones that are are, in some cases, in their 60s (Larry Bowa, Charlie Manuel) and in others, have not had a track record of success (Eric Wedge, Manny Acta). The "new blood" in regards to MLB managers is something that has to happen every 15-20 years. If it happens gradually, it is not as noticeable. It obviously has not been gradual as we have seen 11 first time managers over the past three seasons. Some will have to prove their ability to develop young players and do more with less. Some will have the pressure to win right away. A successful manager is measured by one thing... winning.
The Cubs have hired their second first time manager in three seasons. Renteria is a good baseball man who has had the opportunity to coach for a couple different organizations. The key with the Cubs is how their three young potential star prospects, who have not played a game in the major leagues, impact the team. In my opinion, Renteria stays in Chicago for a while.
The Reds did not take much time hiring their pitching coach, Price, as manager. Price has a great track record as a MLB pitching coach in Seattle, Arizona and Cincinnati. A former minor league pitcher, he continues to trend of pitchers getting an opportunity to manage in the big leagues. He inherits a team that has the ability to win the whole thing. With that, comes the responsibility to maintain it. In my opinion, the Reds success of the first two seasons will determine whether Price is long for the job. However, if things do not completely implode, I think he can get another chance even if the Reds digress during his run as manager.
Brad Ausmus has been a top managerial candidate over the past couple seasons. He has probably the biggest responsibility, as he takes over the Detroit Tigers, a team who is a perennial playoff team that lost in the ALCS last season following a World Series appearance in 2012. He inherits a team that is most ready to win now. The only major moves that will be made will probably be within the bullpen. Many have said Ausmus will be a successful MLB manager. Odds are he will be based on the team that he is now in charge in. However, if the Tigers fade over the next couple seasons, the first finger pointed will be at Ausmus.
The Nationals are a very good team that won 98 games in 2012. They won just 86 last season, but had to deal with some injuries and an overall sophomore slump. Williams may have the biggest challenge as he is to right a ship that started sinking last year. The Nationals did finish strong, but had struggled so mightily in the first half of the season, they could never get back in the race. The fact is, the Nationals have one of the more talented rosters in all of MLB. They are going to be picked by many to win the NL East division this season. If Williams leads them back to prominence, he looks like a good hire. In addition, he probably will be there long term. In things do not go to well, GM Mike Rizzo will blame him and odds are, he will not be around that long.
The bottom line is that is managers in MLB win, they look great. When teams lose, it is always the managers fault. Renteria in Chicago probably gets the longest opportunity as the Cubs are the farthest away from contention. The onice will be on the other three to set a winning pace early. My prediction: one of these three; Ausmus, Price, Williams will be a victim of circumstance and will not last long in their post. We will see how it turns out.
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